Political

What's Happening at the SC Statehouse this Week

This week at the State House, the House is considering the state budget while the Senate continues to work through bills on the floor and in committee.

Starting today, the House will begin debate on the nearly $30 billion dollar state appropriations bill for the upcoming fiscal year. In addition to routine spending, lawmakers must decide how to spend the roughly $61 million windfall resulting from the South Carolina lottery winner. It is unlikely the House will vote on any other legislation this week, nor are any important committee meetings scheduled.

Meanwhile in the Senate, a bill (S.259) that could lead to the use of eminent domain in the name of environmental projects is on the calendar and could receive a vote (SCPC analysis). The bill would authorize loans and grants for home buyouts and floodplain restoration – defined as “any activity” toward returning the land to its “natural state.” While the amended version prevents the loans/grants from directly funding eminent domain, local governments could easily get around that prohibition by seizing the land prior to applying for the funding.

There are also multiple hearings for S.419 (the Senate’s version of the education omnibus bill) this week. This bill would create a new committee to monitor students from K-12, and beyond. It would also amend teacher pay, the Read to Succeed program, and school district consolidation, among other things. A public hearing is being held tonight at Corker College in Hartsville. The meeting starts at 6pm (agenda here).

Finally, one bill (S.283) that would give colleges and universities the ability to create powerful – and unaccountable – mini-governments called “enterprise divisions” is scheduled for both subcommittee and full committee. This proposal is also being pushed via a higher education funding bill, which is now on the Senate floor.

S.332 – States that utility customers are entitled to certain renewable options, creates a new net metering program (customer-based solar generation), and require both investor-owned utilities and state-owned utility Santee Cooper to incorporate small renewable power companies into their rate-making proceedings